In April 2016, SOUP! was created, an event to support local charities and projects and at the same time have a bit of fun.
The quarterly programme of fund-raising lunches has so far benefitted almost 100 good causes in Wells and the surrounding area. While eating delicious soup is part of the deal, there is much more to savour.
How SOUP! works
As an attendee
£5 gets you delicious soup, fresh bread - and a vote. At each SOUP! lunch there are four presentations on local Wells projects. These range from charities, culture, regeneration, community, social justice, social enterprise, education, to technology and more.
After the presentations, the audience is encouraged to discuss and debate before voting. They then vote on which project they think will benefit Wells and the surrounding area the most.
As a fund raising presenter
Whichever presenter gets the most votes wins half of the money collected at the door, to support their project going forward. This can be as much as £350, including match-funding by sponsorship from a local business. The runners-up share the other half. So, all four go away with new funds but, most importantly, have all been given a platform to spread their word!
The winning good cause is invited back to a future SOUP! to share what has been achieved as a result of the funding, and the impact SOUP! has had.
SOUP! in action
The Bishop of Bath and Wells was so impressed when he came to SOUP! in January 2023 with how it is helping charities and local projects to spread their word and raise much needed funds, that it now takes place in the Cathedral!!
Take a look at the full list of the growing number of supported causes:
SOUP! support
Wells SOUP! is supported by Fresh & Good, who provide the soups and the bread, and Karen Young who donates the soft drinks and the flowers.
Previous supporters have included Wells Blue School, Burns the Bread, Morrisons, Bishop's Eye, and Mickey in the Market.
We are also extremely grateful to the companies who have ‘match funded’ (sponsored) SOUP!.
Latest News from SOUP!
